By Derek DavisMARK Rivers will not be offered a contract with Ipswich Town after failing to impress sufficiently during his week-long trial.Blues boss Joe Royle told Rivers of his decision on their return from a pre-season trip to Denmark.

By Derek Davis

MARK Rivers will not be offered a contract with Ipswich Town after failing to impress sufficiently during his week-long trial.

Blues boss Joe Royle told Rivers of his decision on their return from a pre-season trip to Denmark.

Although the former Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City winger showed glimpses of what he is capable of during his three 45-minute spells in games against Peterborough, Randers FC and AaB Aalborg and in training sessions, it was not enough to convince Royle to sign him.

Rivers left City by mutual consent 10 days ago and had hoped to secure a long-term deal with Town.

He said: "I thought I did well in each game, especially considering I had not played for three months. I was not really fit but I have worked on that and will get better. I would loved to have signed for Ipswich."

Royle is still looking out for a midfielder and a defender but his priority remains a forward, although he has scotched rumours on the internet that he is again chasing Duncan Ferguson.

He said: "They are not true. I went for him last year and David Moyes was willing to let him go but big Duncan was not interested and I have not gone back in for him since."

Georges Santos is expected to hold talks with Burnley in the next 48 hours, although it would need to be a good offer to lure him away from Ipswich as he really enjoys being at Portman Road and feels he still has plenty to offer.

Meanwhile, former Aston Villa striker Savo Milosovic has signed for Spanish club Osasuna who Ipswich entertain in their final pre-season match on Monday August 2.

The Blues continue their preparations with a trip to Oxford United tomorrow with Kelvin Davis the main worry. Oxford drew 1-1 with Chelsea on Saturday at the Kassam Stadium.

Davis was forced to pull out during the warm up of Friday night's game in Aalborg, with Lewis Price once again proving to be a more than able replacement.

If Davis is rested to aid his back's cure then Shane Supple will be promoted from the Academy side, although new goalkeeping coach Andy Rhodes, who played in yesterday's Masters five-a-side, could once again be on the bench after filling in at Aalborg.